Are you tired of the same old chicken dishes and looking for a new, exciting way to spice up your low-carb meals? Look no further than our low-carb orange chicken recipe! This dish is bursting with tangy flavors and meaty goodness, all while keeping your carb intake in check.
Following a low-carb diet can be challenging, but it's also incredibly important for maintaining good health. By reducing your intake of carbohydrates, you can help control your blood sugar levels, improve your energy levels, and promote healthy weight loss. And with our delicious orange chicken recipe, you won't have to sacrifice taste for nutrition.
Chicken is a versatile and healthy protein source that's perfect for low-carb meals. It's packed with essential nutrients like protein, B vitamins, and selenium, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. And when you combine it with the tangy flavors of orange marmalade, you'll be left with a mouth-watering meal that's sure to please.
So get ready to try something new and exciting in the kitchen with our low-carb orange chicken recipe. It's a fun and interactive way to experiment with new flavors and cooking techniques, all while staying true to your low-carb lifestyle. So grab your apron, and let's get cooking!
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Servings |
2 Persons |
Preparation Time |
15 Minutes |
Cooking Time |
30 Minutes |
Total Time |
45 Minutes |
Nutritional Facts
Calories |
290 cal |
Protein |
53 g |
Carbs |
18 g |
Fat |
3 g |
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 6 tbs sugar-free orange marmalade/jelly
- 1 tbs soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Sesame Seeds, optional
Instructions
- Make bite-sized chunks out of the chicken breast.
- Add chicken breast pieces to a nonstick skillet that is already hot and cook them for 1-2 minutes.
- Garlic powder and onion powder should be added.
- Cooking is ongoing.
- Combine orange marmalade, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar while the chicken is cooking. Test it out to see how it tastes, and if you want it sweeter, add some honey.
- Reduce heat after the chicken has finished cooking, then stir in sauce.
- Coat the chicken with the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to thicken while covered.
- Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice and in lettuce cups.
- If desired, top with sesame seeds.
Benefits of Opting for Low-Carb Diets
Low-carb diets - you either love them or you hate them. For decades, these diets have been at the forefront of controversy, with some folks claiming they're nothing but bad news while others swear by them.
Those who criticize low-carb diets argue that the high-fat content can wreak havoc on your cholesterol levels, leading to heart disease and other health issues. But don't be too quick to condemn them! Scientific research shows quite the opposite.
Low-carb diets have many health benefits, from weight loss to sharper brain function and even improved blood sugar control. So come on, don't be shy - give low-carb a try!
Reduces Appetite
Dieting often leads to hunger, which can be the most challenging side effect. This feeling of deprivation is a significant reason many individuals experience dissatisfaction and eventually quit their diet.
But there's good news for those on a low-carb diet; it can naturally lead to a decrease in appetite. Multiple studies prove that when people reduce their carbohydrate intake and consume more protein and fat, they consume fewer calories overall.
Increases Good LDL
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is commonly referred to as "good" cholesterol since higher levels of HDL, relative to "bad" LDL, can lower the risk of heart disease. Consuming fat is one of the most effective ways to increase HDL levels, and low-carb diets are typically high in fat.
Unsurprisingly, individuals on healthy, low-carb diets experience a significant increase in HDL levels. Conversely, HDL levels typically only rise moderately or may even decline in low-fat diets.
Lowers Insulin & Sugar Levels
A low-carb diet has been shown to be incredibly beneficial for individuals with diabetes and insulin resistance, conditions that affect millions of people across the globe. Scientific research indicates that reducing carbohydrate intake leads to a significant reduction in both blood sugar and insulin levels.
Those with diabetes who adhere to a low-carb diet may immediately see a drastic 50% decrease in their insulin dosage. In a study involving type 2 diabetic patients, 95% of participants had either reduced or eliminated their glucose-lowering medication within six months of starting a low-carb diet.
However, if you take blood sugar medication, it's crucial to consult your doctor before changing your carb intake, as your dosage may need to be adjusted to prevent hypoglycemia.
Effective Against Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a condition that is closely linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. It is characterized by several symptoms, including abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar levels, high triglycerides, and low "good" HDL cholesterol levels.
Fortunately, a low-carb diet effectively treats all five of these symptoms. By following a low-carb diet, individuals can almost entirely eliminate these conditions.
May Decrease Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for many illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. If left untreated, it can have severe consequences.
However, adhering to a low-carb diet can be a fantastic way to lower blood pressure, which can help reduce the risk of developing these diseases and promote longevity.
Helps Lose Weight
If you're looking to shed those extra pounds, cutting carbs is one of the most straightforward and effective ways. Individuals on low-carb diets shed more weight faster than those on low-fat diets - even when both groups actively restrict calories.
Low-carb diets help eliminate excess water from your body, reducing insulin levels and leading to rapid weight loss within the first couple of weeks. When comparing low-carb and low-fat diets, individuals limiting their carb intake often lose two to three times as much weight without feeling hungry.
Research suggests that a low-carb diet is particularly effective for up to six months compared to a traditional weight loss diet in obese adults. However, there is no significant difference in weight loss between diets after this period.
In a year-long study of 609 overweight adults adhering to either low-fat or low-carb, both groups lost comparable amounts of weight.
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Conclusion
This low-carb orange chicken recipe is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional Chinese takeout. By replacing high-carb ingredients like flour and sugar with low-carb alternatives, this dish provides a satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling sluggish or bloated.
Furthermore, following a low-carb diet has numerous health benefits. It can help you lose weight, decrease blood pressure, and be effective against metabolic syndrome. Additionally, low-carb diets have been shown to lower insulin and sugar levels, increase good LDL cholesterol, and reduce appetite.
Incorporating low-carb meals into your diet can benefit long-term health and may even prevent chronic diseases. So, not only is this low-carb orange chicken delicious, but it's also a great way to take care of your body. Give it a try and feel the benefits for yourself!
Reading List
Carb Cycling for Weight Loss - A Step by Step Guide
Carbs 101 - Should I Cut Carbs Completely to Get Shredded?
Article Sources
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